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Which baseboards to pick?

5 years ago

We are replacing all the baseboards in the house we just bought and I am extremely indecisive and having trouble deciding. I want to pick the safest option (will look good with everything, won’t go out of style, etc). Any input on option 1, 2, or 3 would be greatly appreciated! Also, if we do crown molding does that change anything?

Comments (15)

  • 5 years ago

    I prefer 2 or 3 because I like my baseboards kind of simple so it's a style preference but I only like crown molding if it's thick, in which case I feel the baseboards need to be just taller than any of those 3, otherwise it looks super dated. What is the style of the rest of the house?

  • 5 years ago

    Not nearly enough information. Type of house? Type of molding elsewhere, like around doors and windows? It needs to harmonize with both of those -- abstract "style" may change, but the era of the house will stay the same...

  • 5 years ago

    I’m not sure how to describe the style of house so I’ve attached a few pictures, including the door trim. We will be replacing all the brown doors with white square two panel doors and the contractor said the casings will be the colonial ones that look similar to what is currently there. I’m planning to paint the whole house so the wall color will not be the same. The house is near the beach in Florida but not coastal style. Furniture isn’t currently here yet but style is somewhat contemporary.

  • 5 years ago

    The simpler the better unless the house style dictates otherwise.

  • 5 years ago

    Pick 3!!!! Easiest to maintain and clean! Classic!

  • 5 years ago

    I put #2 in our house. And wider than the original baseboards. Skrimpy baseboards just look cheap. After our new baseboards went in I felt a sense of relief that the baseboards finally looked right. The wider baseboards made the house seem so much more established and just looked classier and higher quality. They don't collect a lot of dust here and we do have a lot of dust. A suggestion is to look at a web site called The Joy of Moldings. It's a good site that has many of examples of woodwork and explains a lot.

  • 5 years ago

    I'm not a pro but I've lived in 4 different houses. I don't think #3 will be enough design for your home. We have that very plain molding, in wood, all around our farmhouse and it looks too simple for yours. Yes, #1 is hardest to keep dust-free but could be the right one for you. Take @paula lewis's suggestion and read up on moldings before rushing into this big decision.

  • 5 years ago

    We just had our baseboards replaced and have #2. I love them!!

  • 5 years ago

    We also primed and painted our baseboards before installation. Then we just had to fill the nail holes and do the final coat of paint.

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    #1 or #2 will never go out of style. Those 2 are traditional baseboards. I love white baseboards and at least 4" to 6" painted white will always look clean and beautiful. I am a retired decorator.

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    There is a cheaper way to go if you are interested. https://www.pacificcolumns.com I have used their products for baseboards, columns and several moldings. They are easy to put on and put together. We used the vinyl columns to wrap around a 4x4" steel post 3 years ago. No more worrying about rot.


  • PRO
    5 years ago

    All selections can work in the majority of spaces. Home Depot sells these options because they are the most generic and widely used. That doesn't mean they don't look good just to clarify. I would suggest option 2 or 3 simply because option 1 would likey be the more personally preferential choice over the three. but that is my gut feeling only. Thus, that option may-be the only option that would possibly push a new home buyer to replace. However, that said, even that may not be the case, especially since many people like a more minimalistic look. My personal opinion is regardless of which option you choose, it won't devalue the home and no one will likely choose to purchase or not purchase a home over that selection. Nor can they try and negotiate a cheaper price for the home claiming they have to replace baseboard... If it is in good condition then they cannot leverage that with any conviction. In summary, choose which baseboard you like the best personally, what you think works best with your overall style, and perhaps also consider the ease of cleaning point another personal mentioned. But at the end of the day, if painted with a good quality semigloss, or a higher gloss paint, they should all be easy to clean..

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    #2

  • 5 years ago

    Thanks for the input everyone!

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    With the casing number 2 is best